Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2016

The Monte Carlo is starting to feel like an annual event in Paisley, with this being the third year running that I have come along to see the race get under way.

It feels strange to see car models that I remember driving being considered as classic cars, but it is also very pleasing that their owners have seen fit to preserve them for events such as this.

Paisley Abbey makes a beautiful backdrop and the public came out in great numbers to cheer the participants on their way.

Monte Carlo Historique 2015

Back at Paisley for the second year running, the Monte Carlo Historique rally again chose Abbey Close as one of its starting locations for 2015.

It's always good to see the classic cars presented for the public to admire.

With the race starting in the evening, camera shutter speeds were low. This meant that most of my photos were taken while the cars were static.

Volkswagen Golf

Mini Cooper

Ford Escort Mk 1

A little bit of last minute route planning in a Sunbeam Talbot Extreme

Saab 96

Spare wheel on a Morgan +8

A pair of Austins, A40 and Mini

Lotus Cortina

Cars lined up for the start of the rally

Triumph Dolomite Sprint

Paisley Abbey providing a colourful backdrop

Opel Kadett setting out for Monte Carlo

MGB GT waiting to start the race

Classic & Vintage cars

After the razzamatazz of the Gumball 3000 rally visiting Scotland, things took on a somewhat more sedate pace with a visit of the Scottish Western Thoroughbred Vehicle Club to Cornalees Visitor Centre in Greenock.

Cars dating back to the Ford Model T were proudly displayed by their owners while the public enjoyed these memories of past times.

Many of the cars were from relatively recent times and most definitely within the  lifetime of many of the visitors.

It is always good to see that these cars are being kept alive and in working order.

1975 MG Midget Mk III

VW Campervan

Riley RME

Delage DI

Ford Model T

Triumph TR2 1955

Gumball 3000 Rally

Prestwick Airport played host to some of the world's flashest supercars as the Gumball 3000 rally arrived in Scotland.

Seeing these fabulous cars more than made up for my 5:30am alarm call.

The procession made its way to Edinburgh for the start of the UK leg of the rally.

Rebellion R2K

Bughatti Veyron

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Ford GT followed by McLaren 12C

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster

Dodge Viper

Ferrari 458

Wiessmann MF5

Monte Carlo Historique Rally

One of the starting points for the 2014 Monte Carlo Historique Rally was Paisley. The cars gathered at Abbey Close, where a large crowd came along to view these beautiful cars.

The rally started shortly before 6pm with cars departing at 1 minute intervals. By this time darkness had fallen which caused problems with the sharpness of some of my pictures.

I have only added a few of my pictures below. More can be viewed on my Picasa gallery

Paisley Abbey plays host to the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Advertising for the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014 at Paisley Abbey

1958 Standard 10 waiting to lead off on the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Car 317, a Riley 1.5, being prepared for the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Made in Scotland, a Clan Crusader waits to start the Monte Carlo Historique rally 2014

Morgan 4+4 hopes to get off to a flying start on the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Car 0 ready to start the Monte Carlo Historique rally 2014

Drivers waiting for the start of the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Chrysler Sunbeam sets off on the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

BMW 1802 at the start of the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Austin Healey Sprite (Frogeye) sets off on the Monte Carlo Historique Rally 2014

Strathaven

Some more pictures from the recent classic vehicle rally: 2 Brittish followed by a couple of American cars.

Aston Martin's very distinct grille

TVR convertible

Chevvy Corvette

It speaks for itself - a 1950's pink Cadillac